... I purchased a cheap USB MIDI connector from Amazon and tried to set them up, but unfortunately it didn't work. ... I don't know whether I have to buy a new cable or a new keyboard

--Or a new or better MIDI to USB (keyboard to computer) converter or interface. Some are reported to be problematic.

Many external audio interfaces include MIDI ports to connect to a keyboard or other MIDI gear, and a USB connection to both send and receive MIDI data to-->from a computer. In addition, there are many nice MIDI interfaces or hubs that have a USB port to connect to a computer, some powered by the USB connection itself. (I have a programmable (Windows/Mac/Linux) MIDIhub from Blokas.io that I like very much). --> https://blokas.io/midihub/

Stephen_Doonan wrote:

PianoteqUser369 wrote:

I don't know whether I have to buy a new cable or a new keyboard

What brand and model of MIDI keyboard do you have? Others on the forum might already have experience with that keyboard.

It's an old one. Yamaha PSR 9000 Pro.

I would check the PSR 9000 Pro user manual:  https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/o...00ProE.pdf

It looks like the PSR 9000 Pro has 2 midi outs (A and B) and that you would want to make sure your plug is going into Midi A out.  Then it looks like you would want to make sure the "Host Select" switch to the right of the midi ports on the back is set to 'Midi'.

PSR 9000 is pretty non-standard, with midi data flowing out on 32 channels, 16 on Midi Out A and 16 on Midi Out B port.  I think you would need to make sure that whatever voice you've specified on the PSR 9000 is one that's going out on one of the first 16 channels (0 to 15).   You might also want to change the 'Local Control' setting in the menus to 'Off'.  I don't know if this is necessary, but it can't hurt, makes it so that playing keys will make no sound on the PSR 9000 itself, but send the messages out the Midi Out port.

It can be confusing setting this stuff up for the first time, even if you're confident all your gear is working properly.  Frustrating when you don't know if the problem is with your setup or with your gear.  I would plug away for a bit longer assuming your gear is okay; if you do get things working it will be smooth sailing from there.

dazric wrote:

If your connector is working, your keyboard should be identified in this section.

Thanks for replying, I followed all steps but here's one thing you said which I didn't understand:

"If your connector is working, your keyboard should be identified in this section."

Does this mean my keyboard pops up in that section, therefore I have to select it or not? Otherwise It must be either the keyboard or the cable which aren't working properly.

Yes, if everything's connected properly and the keyboard switched on, there should be something listed there - if not 'Yamaha PSR 9000' then at least something like 'Generic MIDI keyboard'. So you may have a problem with either the cable or the keyboard. As johanibraaten suggests, maybe something needs drivers to work. You might want to have a look to see if anything comes up in Settings / Devices on the computer (I assume you're on Windows).

PianoteqUser369 wrote:

I don't know whether I have to buy a new cable or a new keyboard

What brand and model of MIDI keyboard do you have? Others on the forum might already have experience with that keyboard.

It's an old one. Yamaha PSR 9000 Pro.

https://www.modartt.com/videos#tutorial

Also check out these tutorials, you should find answers there too.

Warmest regards,

Chris

Thanks for replying Chris, I followed some of them but still doesn't work.

If your connector is working, your keyboard should be identified in this section.

Thanks for replying, I followed all steps but here's one thing you said which I didn't understand:

"If your connector is working, your keyboard should be identified in this section."

Does this mean my keyboard pops up in that section, therefore I have to select it or not? Otherwise It must be either the keyboard or the cable which aren't working properly.

I don't know whether I have to buy a new cable or a new keyboard

What brand and model of MIDI keyboard do you have? Others on the forum might already have experience with that keyboard.

Also check out these tutorials, you should find answers there too.

Warmest regards,

Chris